Influencer mums - Carrie Hope Fletcher

[craftylemon]

So Carrie Hope Fletcher just had a baby with her husband, they seem really happy. I’ve followed her for a while (she’s an actress, YouTuber, also Tom from McFly’s sister) and I’m honestly happy for them.

But she gave birth like a week ago and they've already posted an ad for a gifted pram on instagram and tagged brands in other posts. To be fair they’ve covered baby’s face when posting her so that’s good.

I mean I’m a fan of Carrie’s theatre work but I didn’t sign up for so much pregnancy/baby content. There’s a twitter account that makes fun of their business and they’ve started making fun of how Carrie posts about the baby and I’m kinda agreeing? Does anyone else feel the same? Just feels a bit off to me when she’s in the public eye.

I think the person/people behind the Twitter account are the ones who are 'off' here. How sad and bitter would your life have to be to create a whole account mocking a stranger.

If you don't like what someone does on Instagram then just unfollow them. Out of sight, out of mind.

I don't know who she is but it can feel a bit disappointing when someone whose posts you've enjoyed previously change direction. At the end of the day she's a content creator/influencer whatever then ads and tagging companies is pretty much the job description and whether you approve of it or not babies are a good vehicle for content. Just stop following if you don't enjoy her account.

I didn't know she was Tom from Mcfly's sister. It's just natural that content might change as people grow and evolve though no?

How about some kindness for the very recent new mum?

I think it's a fair criticism of influencer culture, the reason they often post crying/emotional/relatable/vulnerable type content is because it is gets good engagement which equals better stats which equals better brand deals and money. What they show is very curated, back in 2006 not so much, but no-one with a big following who has been doing this as long as Carrie has is unaware of these things. I find it disingenuous.

I agree that it's fair enough to be disappointed with a change in content and disengage as a result. I don't have interest in babies/children so have unfollowed people when their lives have moved on to that chapter (I also have MAJOR ethical issues with any child content). However, tagging brands and ads will have been part of Carries (and all influencers) work before baby, and just because it's baby products now it doesn't make it any worse than when it was restaurants or shoes...

I imagine if the brands sent something to her and she didn't post about it it would be a problem?

If somebody on Instagram posts a lot about their life and then has a baby, their life is going to consist mainly of the baby at first so it's what they'll post about. Seems reasonable to me?

Hate it when influencers use their children for content. So many these days are exploiting their children for money. Saccone Joly’s are the worst for this.

I imagine if the brands sent something to her and she didn't post about it it would be a problem?

no it wouldn't in most cases, brands frequently send unsolicited packages of products to many influencers in the hope they will end up being shown, but with no agreement to do so. It's part of the marketing budget these days. I believe it has to be disclosed that the product is gifted when shown. (I recall Fleur De Force saying during her first pregnancy she was sent over 8 prams!)

If it's an actual ad where Carrie has been paid to promote the specific item (rather than a hopeful freebie) it will have been worked out in advance, how long the post will be, when it will be posted, in all likelihood with Carrie sending the brand what she intends to post beforehand for approval and perhaps even given specific lines they want her to say.

Yeah to be fair she did do ads/sponsored/gifted content before the baby so it’s not too different, and it’s her job I suppose. But actually posting the baby in an ad or whatever is different though imo. I mean it’s not just a Carrie problem but I expected more from her.

That’s true, it’s obviously a huge part of her life atm but it’s almost too much. Like this post is one of about 3 she’s made about breastfeeding? And tagging a brand as well seems like she’s trying to get sponsored. Like by all means post about a product you’ve found helpful but she’s been a mum for a week?

It’s actually quite funny when they’re mocking the Beginners Call stuff, I do agree that there’s valid points of criticism there, but yeah feels like they’re crossing a line with the more personal stuff.

Maybe you'd fit in better on tattle op.

I don't get why you'd continue to not only follow someone who's content you don't like, but then follow an account that takes the piss.

Just unfollow her like a normal person.

Imagine monetising your newborn. Gross.

I've just found that account, it's totally unhinged.

If you don't like her then move on with your life!

@craftylemon you think they are crossing a line with the personal stuff yet here you are linking to a VERY unkind account set up nust to criticise🤔

What difference does it make how long sje has been a mum? Surely the early days of breastfeeding are when you need most support and advice?

Your whole OP is weird and a bit Tattle-esque

Are you frustrated by not being able to sign up to Tattle Life, OP?

Exactly. You don't like the direction she has taken? Unfollow her, and move on with your life.

Children can't give consent to be used as content. It should be illegal. Protect your children.

She's apparently not even showing his face.

What should be illegal using a picture of the back of a babies head?

You’ll find more people who will know this influencer on Tattle.

Not all influencer gifts are solicited and if influencers promote small businesses then it’s a win/win.

You must be really angry at nappy adverts on TV, then.

I am no influencer fan especially those using their children to make money but I do think you are a bit naive to not to expect pregnancy/baby content from someone who just had a baby. Peoples lives and priorities change and that impacts what they post on social media influencer or not. I don’t know much about Carrie but from what I do know I expect her baby will be shown fully once the magazine deal has been published.

traditional media (ads, modelling, tv, film...) all have laws protecting child performers and the money they make in that work. These laws aren't always correctly followed 100% of the time, but they do exist and they do offer protection. AFAIK there are no laws protecting children who are used as content and exploited by their parents for YouTube/Instagram/TikTok...

@Geebray not angry, no. The child model/actor industry is tightly regulated, by law.

Parents picking up a phone and pimping out their children to millions of people for money is intrusive, unregulated and putting their children at risk of harm. The children can't consent, their names, locations and other identifying information is often known. These children will grow up and we'll know so much detail about their history, family set-up, houses, medical information, interests, milestones, what they ate for dinner, what colour their bedroom is.

Step back and think about it. Do you really think it's morally ok? Would you have been happy for your parents to do that?

Yes, agreed,, there is a big difference. Of course the baby in the nappy advert is essentially anonymous, and the influencer child is not. Although the baby, also, cannot have given consent.